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iOS Automation With Workflow

We all have workflows for our work. But what exactly is a workflow?

A simple Google search returns this definition:

the sequence of industrial, administrative, or other processes through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion

I like that definition. But what I like better are tools which automate and simplify workflows.

I’ve found one such tool in the Workflow app for iOS.


According to its website, the Workflow app is:

Powerful automation made simple.

Translated … the Workflow app enables you to connect apps together, combined with powerful actions, to automate workflow on your iPhone or iPad.

Workflows are easy to create with a simple drag-and-drop interface and have a variety of uses.

For example, use the Workflow app to:

  • Backup photos to Dropbox with a simple tap
  • Access the next couple of meetings scheduled in your calendar and create markdown formatted meeting note templates in Evernote
  • Grab the last five images from your photo gallery, make an animated GIF and text it to a friend
  • Get your current and destination locations, access maps and text others about your approximate arrival time
  • Speed dial a phone number
  • Grab the content of a web page, create a PDF and automatically open it in iBooks
  • Translate your clipboard content to another language and email it
  • Tweet the content and URL of the page you are viewing in your browser
  • Cross-post a photo to Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
  • Get directions to the nearest coffee shop

The possibilities are endless …

The fun parts about the Workflow app?

  • Make your own workflows and save them to your home screen where they can be accessed with a quick tap
  • Create workflow extensions which plug into other apps
  • Export workflows to share with others
  • Install workflows shared by others or access workflows from the built-in Workflow Gallery

I’ll be sharing some of my favorite (and created) workflows in future posts.

You can download the Workflow app from the App Store.

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